🔗 Share this article

Phototherapy is definitely experiencing a wave of attention. You can now buy illuminated devices for everything from complexion problems and aging signs to aching tissues and gum disease, the newest innovation is an oral care tool outfitted with miniature red light sources, described by its makers as “a significant discovery in personal mouth health.” Globally, the sector valued at $1bn last year is expected to increase to $1.8bn within the next decade. There are even infrared saunas available, which use infrared light to warm the body directly, the infrared radiation heats your body itself. Based on supporter testimonials, the experience resembles using an LED facial mask, stimulating skin elasticity, relaxing muscles, relieving inflammation and chronic health conditions while protecting against dementia.

Research and Reservations

“It sounds a bit like witchcraft,” observes Paul Chazot, professor in neuroscience at Durham University and a convert to the value of light therapy. Of course, some of light’s effects on our bodies are well established. Sunlight enables vitamin D production, needed for bone health, immunity, muscles and more. Light exposure controls our sleep-wake cycles, too, activating brain chemicals and hormonal responses in daylight, and winding down bodily functions for sleep as it fades into night. Daylight-simulating devices frequently help individuals with seasonal depression to elevate spirits during colder months. Clearly, light energy is essential for optimal functioning.

Various Phototherapy Approaches

While Sad lamps tend to use a mixture of light frequencies from the blue end of the spectrum, the majority of phototherapy tools use red or near-infrared wavelengths. During advanced medical investigations, like examinations of infrared influence on cerebral tissue, identifying the optimal wavelength is crucial. Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation, which runs the spectrum from the lowest-energy, longest wavelengths (radio waves) to short-wavelength gamma rays. Phototherapy, or light therapy utilizes intermediate light frequencies, including invisible ultraviolet radiation, then the visible spectrum we perceive as colors and infrared light visible through night vision technology.

Dermatologists have utilized UV therapy for extensive periods to manage persistent skin disorders including eczema and psoriasis. It works on the immune system within cells, “and reduces inflammatory processes,” notes Dr Bernard Ho. “There’s lots of evidence for phototherapy.” UVA reaches deeper skin layers compared to UVB, in contrast to LEDs in commercial products (which generally deliver red, infrared or blue light) “tend to be a bit more superficial.”

Risk Assessment and Professional Supervision

UVB radiation effects, such as burning or tanning, are understood but clinical devices employ restricted wavelength ranges – indicating limited wavelength spectrum – that reduces potential hazards. “Therapy is overseen by qualified practitioners, thus exposure is controlled,” notes the specialist. And crucially, the light sources are adjusted by technical experts, “to ensure that the wavelength that’s being delivered is fit for purpose – as opposed to commercial tanning facilities, where it’s a bit unregulated, and wavelength accuracy isn’t verified.”

Consumer Devices and Evidence Gaps

Red and blue light sources, he explains, “aren’t really used in the medical sense, though they might benefit some issues.” Red wavelength therapy, proponents claim, enhance blood flow, oxygen utilization and dermal rejuvenation, and stimulate collagen production – an important goal for anti-aging. “Research exists,” comments the expert. “But it’s not conclusive.” Regardless, given the plethora of available tools, “we’re uncertain whether commercial devices replicate research conditions. Appropriate exposure periods aren’t established, proper positioning requirements, the risk-benefit ratio. Numerous concerns persist.”

Specific Applications and Professional Perspectives

Initial blue-light devices addressed acne bacteria, bacteria linked to pimples. The evidence for its efficacy isn’t strong enough for it to be routinely prescribed by doctors – even though, explains the specialist, “it’s often seen in medical spas or aesthetics practices.” Certain patients incorporate it into their regimen, he mentions, however for consumer products, “we recommend careful testing and security confirmation. Without proper medical classification, oversight remains ambiguous.”

Innovative Investigations and Molecular Effects

Meanwhile, in advanced research areas, Chazot has been experimenting with brain cells, revealing various pathways for light-enhanced cell function. “Nearly every test with precise light frequencies demonstrated advantageous outcomes,” he says. Multiple claimed advantages have created skepticism toward light treatment – that it’s too good to be true. However, scientific investigation has altered his perspective.

Chazot mostly works on developing drug treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, but over 20 years ago, a doctor developing photonic antiviral treatment consulted his scientific background. “He designed tools for biological testing,” he recalls. “I was quite suspicious. The specific wavelength measured approximately 1070nm, which most thought had no biological effect.”

What it did have going for it, however, was its efficient water penetration, meaning it could penetrate the body more deeply.

Mitochondrial Effects and Brain Health

Growing data suggested infrared influenced energy-producing organelles. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells, generating energy for them to function. “All human cells contain mitochondria, including the brain,” explains the neuroscientist, who concentrated on cerebral applications. “It has been shown that in humans this light therapy increases blood flow into the brain, which is generally advantageous.”

Using 1070nm wavelength, energy organelles generate minimal reactive oxygen compounds. In low doses this substance, notes the scientist, “stimulates so-called chaperone proteins which look after your mitochondria, protect cellular integrity and manage defective proteins.”

Such mechanisms indicate hope for cognitive disorders: oxidative protection, inflammation reduction, and cellular cleanup – autophagy representing cellular waste disposal.

Ongoing Study Progress and Specialist Evaluations

When recently reviewing 1070nm research for cognitive decline, he says, about 400 people were taking part in four studies, incorporating his preliminary American studies